By Adrienne Smith
The leaves are turning, Halloween is coming and pumpkin spice lattes are everywhere. But expand beyond artificially flavored pumpkin drinks this fall and cook with the real thing.
You'll find sugar pumpkins in your Nextdoorganics CSA packages to get you started. Sign up for our weekly, New York City-based CSA packages here.
Related: Tell Us Your Favorite Pumpkin Recipe To Win HerbNZest Condiments
What Is Pumpkin, Anyway?
Pumpkins are members of the squash family with a distinctive round shape and yellow or orange color. They are native to North America and typically in season in early fall - from September through November. Both the seeds and flesh are edible, and quite versatile for the home cook. What's more, pumpkins are full of fiber and beta-carotene.
What Pumpkins Do I Pick?
Some pumpkins are more common for decorations, like a carved jack o'lantern for Halloween. While you can eat them, they'll be tougher and less flavorful than other pumpkin options. Stay away from the large, ribbed pumpkins. Instead, try a "sugar" or "pie" pumpkin between four and ten pounds. You'll find these types of pumpkins in your CSA packages. The Daily Meal has rounded up the 9 best pumpkins for cooking.
How Do I Cook It?
Pumpkins are forgiving in the kitchen. Slice and steam or grill large slices, or bake in the oven. We find baking easiest. Once you're done, just puree, slice or cube your pumpkin and add to whatever recipe you'd like.
Canned pumpkin purees or pumpkin butters will also work in most recipes if you're pressed for time. Try HerbNZest's fennel saffron pumpkin butter, in our webstore, for a recipe booster.
To bake your pumpkin:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop the seeds out with a spoon. Reserve the seeds for roasting.
Place the halves face down onto a baking tray and cook for about an hour, or until tender.
To roast the seeds:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Clean seeds by running under water.
Simmer in salted water for about ten minutes.
Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Spread on a baking tray and bake for 5-15 minutes, depending on the seed size.
Take the seeds out of the oven once they begin to brown.
What Are Some Recipes To Get Started?
Tuck pumpkin puree into pasta with bacon and mozzarella for SkinnyTaste's comforting riff on baked ziti.
Real Simple's pumpkin, bacon and white bean side dish could make for a satisfying main dish as well.
Go big or go home with PaleOMG's meaty "rice" stuffed pumpkin recipe.
A classic pumpkin pie recipe is something everyone should have in their back pocket. Try Ina Garten's classic pumpkin pie. Who could say no to this dollop of rum whipped cream?
Food 52 provides an interesting spin on salted caramels with the addition of pumpkin puree and pepitas.
Wake up to Simply Recipe's straightforward pumpkin bread. Toast a fresh slice and top with butter to start your day.
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